Anyone who watches PBS often will likely be familiar with Celtic Woman and Celtic Thunder. While many people may be able to notice small similarities, there are connections between the two groups that go beyond what meets the eye.
Beginnings
Celtic Woman was created by Sharon Brown, who produced the
show. After she saw how successful the show was, she decided to make a male
counterpart. Thus, Celtic Thunder was created. Both groups’ first show was
filmed at the Helix in Dublin, Ireland. They have each occasionally filmed
other PBS shows at the Helix, but at other locations as well.
Song choices
Over the years, there have been a ton of songs that were
performed by both groups. Below are a few that I have noticed, but there are
likely more.
· -“Amazing Grace”
· -“Dú́́laman”
· -“Mo Ghuile Mear”
· -“Sailing”
· -“Danny Boy”
· -“Caledonia”
· -“You Raise Me Up”
· -“Parting Glass
· -“Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears”
· -“Black is the Colour”
Both bands also have instrumental songs spread throughout
their shows. This adds some flair to the concerts and gives the vocalists a bit
of a break.
Personnel
Colm Keegan was a background singer on a couple of Celtic
Woman’s shows. After he was done with this role, he joined Celtic Thunder as a
principal singer for a couple of their shows before leaving to do solo work.
Mairéad Carlin has performed throughout the years. She took
a break from the group in 2021 to focus on other projects, but she has rejoined
and is part of the current company. She is married to Celtic Thunder’s Ronan
Scolard, who joined Celtic Thunder in 2023. He recently became Celtic Thunder’s
musical director as well as a principal singer for the group.
Opening numbers
At the beginning of their 20th show on PBS,
Celtic Woman performed “Is Sinne Mná na hÉireann.” Anyone who has seen the
first Celtic Thunder show will recognize that the vibes of the song, especially
the intro, are similar to “Heartland.” From the background vocalists’
choreography down to the black outfits, the two songs have similar vibes.
“Black is the Colour”
Yes, this does fit into the song category, but it goes
beyond that. I just saw Celtic Woman for the first time on St. Patrick’s Day
2026, and they did this song. When I saw Celtic Thunder for my first time on
October 14, 2010, they did this song as well, and it has since been featured on
their “Heritage” album.
Related Articles:
-Album Review: "Home Series" by Celtic Thunder: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/12/album-review-home-series-by-celtic-thunder.html
-Women of Éire Release "Ireland's Call": https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2026/02/women-of-eire-release-irelands-call.html
-Cailíní Lua Release Single About Irish Revolutionary Tomás Malone: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/10/cailini-lua-release-brave-malone.html